What are conversations?


One possibility
  • Students already have work uploaded. Probably, they have added reflections centered around a particular portfolio (which would live as a page from "My Portfolios")
  • From a page dedicated to a particular "conversation" theme (like this one) the student would include
    • The introduction and guiding questions associated with the conversations assignment (probably linked to a main teacher-generated page compiling links to the many different conversation pages of many different students)
    • A list of the first names of the members of the conversation. This might include a brief introduction and possibly a link to that member's web page.
    • A link to the service where the conversation is being held (maybe chatzky)
    • The finished conversation can be saved in "chat" format (newest entry at the bottom)
    • Possibly a final reflection by the student about the conversation
  • If the conversations take place in chatzky, only links to full urls are allowed. However, these links could take us anywhere on the web.
  • Brainstorming rich conversations...
    • Student asks foreign student where he lives. Student replies by providing a link to a google map or to a photograph. Student views the map and notes what looks like a lake. She asks a questions related to the lake. The foreign student takes a photo (using the $100 laptop) and posts it, adding details in his reply.
    • $100 laptop student uses webcam to film an interview with a local adult. She translates in writing or as subtitles and links to the video in the chatzky conversation.
    • Students asks a retiree a question about the old days...
    • Student asks a business person for help in understanding how employees are interviewed
    • ...
  • Once conversations are finished (after about a two week period), students may still wish to share what they learned in class.
  • Conversations might be used to reflect on achievement of "eagles"